Name: Easy Gluten-Free Almond Butter Christmas Crack
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 47 min
Ingredients: 40 saltine crackers; 2/3 cup almond butter; 2/3 cup maple syrup; 2 cups chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon coconut oil

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How to make Healthier Gluten-Free Almond Butter Christmas Crack Bark with maple syrup

My Gluten-Free Christmas Crack Recipe is the perfect holiday treat with only 5 simple ingredients. What sets it apart is how easy it is to make—no need for boiling sugar or candy thermometers. Instead, creamy almond butter and maple syrup are mixed together to create that classic buttery toffee flavor with a crispy texture.

Using all-natural chocolate chips and organic holiday sprinkles, this recipe is not only gluten-free but avoids refined sugars and corn syrup, too. It’s a festive, nutrient-dense version of the classic Christmas crack, and a favorite in my family every holiday season!

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Christmas Crack Almond Butter Recipe

You only need a few simple ingredients.
It is super easy to make for an impressive result.
The flavor-rich ingredients make it taste amazing!
All the ingredients are easily digestible for a gentle tummy.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting gluten-free almond butter Christmas crack:

Saltine crackers: Use gluten-free saltine crackers, table crackers, or graham crackers for a gluten-free version. You can also use whole-grain crackers.

Almond butter: Replace with sunflower seed butter, soy nut butter, or peanut butter for a nut-free option.

Maple syrup: Use honey or agave nectar for a similar level of sweetness, and to maintain the vegan aspect.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips: Substitute dark chocolate chips, vegan chocolate chips, or milk chocolate melting wafers for semisweet chocolate chips. You could also replace them with white chocolate chips or add a layer on top of the chocolate layer.

Coconut oil: Replace with extra virgin olive oil or butter, depending on your dietary preferences.

How to Make My Christmas Crack Healthier with Almond Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Cracker Layer

Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil.

Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are close together and cover the entire surface. Break the crackers into smaller pieces to fill in any gaps on the ends if needed.

Adding wet ingredients to muffin batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Almond Butter and Chocolate

Combine 2/3 cup almond butter and 2/3 cup maple syrup in a small mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.

Pour the almond butter and maple syrup mixture evenly over the crackers, ensuring all the crackers are well-coated. Gently spread with a rubber spatula.

Bake at 400°F for 7 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate

While the cracker layer is baking, add 2 cups of chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate and Sprinkles

Remove the pan from the oven and place the pan on a heatproof surface or cooling rack.

Pour the melted chocolate on the saltine toffee layer and gently spread with a spatula.

Then, add your desired amount of sprinkles.

Allow the pan to cool on the counter, and then place in your fridge or freezer to cool completely. Then crack or cut the bark into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!

Christmas Bark Recipe Notes

Lining Your Pan: Lining your cookie sheet with aluminum foil will make it easier to remove the bark from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack. Then you can place the cooling rack in your fridge or freezer to speed up the chocolate set time. The foil also makes clean-up easier by keeping your toffee bits from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Gluten-Free Options: If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free saltine crackers or another gluten-free cracker or base of your choice.

Chocolate Melting: When melting the chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave, be cautious not to overheat. Use 30-second intervals and remove the bowl from the microwave, and stir in between to prevent burning or seizing of the chocolate.

Freezing Time: The 30-minute freezing time is a guideline. The goal is for the chocolate to set. Depending on your freezer’s temperature, it may take slightly more or less time.

Breaking into Pieces: To create the signature “crack” effect, you can break the Christmas Crack into irregular pieces rather than cutting it neatly. This adds to the charm.

Serving Suggestions:

You can use any sprinkles you like. I like to use these organic sprinkles without any artificial food coloring. You can also replace them with your favorite nuts or dried fruit. You could also sprinkle crushed candy canes or sea salt if you like.

Holiday Party Treats: Arrange the pieces on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats like cookies, fudge, or spiced nuts.
Gift Baskets: Pack these sweet, crispy bites in small tins or festive bags for an easy, homemade gift.
Movie Night Snack: Enjoy a bowl of Christmas crack with popcorn for a perfect sweet and salty combination.
Dessert Topping: Crumble the Christmas crack over ice cream or yogurt for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Post-Dinner Sweet Treat: Serve alongside coffee or hot cocoa to finish off a cozy holiday meal.

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps to keep it fresh and prevent the chocolate from melting at room temperature.

Layering: If you need to stack the Christmas Crack in the container, place parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking and ensure they don’t meld together.

Room Temperature: If you live in a cool climate or it’s wintertime, you can keep the Christmas Crack at room temperature, but only if your kitchen is relatively cool. If your kitchen is warm or the weather is hot, it’s best to store it in the fridge to avoid melting.

Long-Term Storage: If you want to store it for a more extended period, consider freezing it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. The frozen Christmas bark will stay fresh for a few weeks to a couple of months.

Is Christmas Crack Gluten Free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free saltine crackers or an alternative gluten-free cracker.

Does Christmas crack need to be refrigerated?

If you live in a warm climate, yes, you should refrigerate the Christmas crack to avoid melting. If you live in a cool climate you can store it in an air-tight container on your counter or in your pantry.

Can I eat Christmas Crack if I have a nut allergy?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. Another option is to use peanut butter, though it will have a slightly different flavor.

Is there a vegan alternative to maple syrup?

Yes, you can replace maple syrup with agave nectar for a vegan alternative. Alternatively, you can use honey if you’re not strictly following a vegan diet.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by using dark chocolate chips for a less sweet and healthier option. For a vegan version, make sure to use dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips.

Can I freeze Christmas Crack for later use?

Yes, you can freeze Christmas Crack in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for longer-term storage. It will stay fresh for several weeks to a couple of months in the freezer.

Can I make this recipe in advance for the holidays?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until needed. It’s a great treat to prepare ahead of time for holiday gatherings or gift-giving.

Do you love chocolate bark? Check out these other healthier, nutrient-dense bark recipes:

Do you love Chocolate bark? Check Out these other delicious bark recipes:

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Easy Gluten-Free Almond Butter Christmas Crack

My healthier, gluten-free Christmas crack uses only 5 simple ingredients and skips boiling sugar and butter. Creamy almond butter and maple syrup create a buttery toffee flavor, while all-natural chocolate chips and sprinkles make this a perfect holiday treat without refined sugars.

5 from 3 votes

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Servings

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 7

Total Time 47

Ingredients

40 saltine crackers
2/3 cup almond butter
2/3 cup maple syrup
2 cups chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil.
Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are close together and cover the entire surface. Break the crackers into smaller pieces to fill in any gaps on the ends if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Almond Butter and Chocolate
Combine 2/3 cup almond butter and 2/3 cup maple syrup in a small mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
Pour the almond butter and maple syrup mixture evenly over the crackers, ensuring all the crackers are well-coated. Gently spread with a rubber spatula.
Bake at 400°F for 7 minutes.
While the cracker layer is baking, add 2 cups of chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it's melted and smooth.
Remove the pan from the oven and place the pan on a heatproof surface or cooling rack.
Pour the melted chocolate on the saltine toffee layer and gently spread with a spatula.
Then, add your desired amount of sprinkles.
Allow the pan to cool on the counter, and then place in your fridge or freezer to cool completely. Then crack or cut the bark into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Lining Your Pan: Lining your cookie sheet with aluminum foil will make it easier to remove the bark from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack. Then you can place the cooling rack in your fridge or freezer to speed up the chocolate set time. The foil also makes clean-up easier by keeping your almond butter toffee bits from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 72mgPotassium: 202mgFiber: 5gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 0.1IUCalcium: 72mgIron: 3mg

Keyword almond butter, bark, chocolate, Christmas Crack, gluten-free pancakes, maple syrup, naturally sweetened

Did you make this recipe and love it?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out 🙂

Easy Gluten-Free Almond Butter Christmas Crack

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Christmas Crack Almond Butter Recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting gluten-free almond butter Christmas crack: